What is a UPS?
UPS stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply. Its purpose is to supply power to certain critical or important electronic devices whenever main electric power is interrupted. Depending on the specific design, a UPS contains one or more batteries, components to clean up the AC power provided by the utility company and a relay to switch from main utility power to the battery power in the case of a "stand-by" UPS.

Why is a UPS necessary?
Because the electric power provided by your local utility can suddenly be interrupted do to a black out, thunder storm or some mechanical failure. A UPS can maintain operation of critical equipment until utility power is restored or until the equipment can be properly shut down.

What is a typical application for a UPS
The most typical application is to maintain power on a computer so that, should main electric power be suddenly lost (because of a black out, a thunder storm or some other reason), recent work can be saved before the computer shuts down. There are other important applications:

NOTE: these devices are not appropriate for life support equipment.

SELECTING THE RIGHT UPS

How do I select the right UPS for my applications?
The right UPS for your application is determined by several factors. To select the right UPS you will need to know:

1. The power requirement of your equipment load. How much electric current does your equipment need? This is usually measured in amps (current), watts (power) or volt-amps (another measure of power).

2. How long does the UPS need to support operation of the equipment in case of a black-out? This will be UPSs required "run time".

3. How critical is the application? Of course, any application is important if you are considering a UPS. However, since the most reliable on-line UPS models are more expensive than the simpler stand-by models it is best to match the features of the UPS with the value of the application.

The UPS models are described based on their power rating in terms of their volt-amp (VA) rating. Match this with the power requirement of your application. The run-time of the UPS is stated for full capacity current draw and one-half capacity. The most critical applications (security or network communications) should probably be supported by an on-line model. The less critical applications (cash registers or work stations) are usually matched with a stand-by device.

What does "VA" mean?
VA stands for "volt-amp" which equals volts x amps. In the United States standard residential and commercial electric power is 120 volts AC . Current flows to electric powered equipment at different rates, depending on how much power the equipment uses. This measure of current is amperes, or "amps". Volt-amps (volts x amps) is a measure of the power required by equipment. It is also a measure of the capacity of a UPS.

What is the difference between a Stand-By and On-line UPS?
A "stand-by" or "off-line" UPS directs main utility power to your equipment as long as it's available. When the utility power fails they switch to the battery as a source of temporary power. Liebert PowerSure Series UPSs are "stand-by" designs. They also condition the AC power before it reaches your equipment. Other Liebert designs are "on-line". They always pull power from the battery to operate connected equipment. The utility power is used to keep the battery charged.

OPERATION

How long will the battery power last in a black out?
The amount of time the battery power will last (known as "run time") depends on the relative amount of power being used by equipment connected to the UPS. This is usually stated as a time if half the UPSs capacity is being used and a time if all the capacity is being used. For example a XVRT-1000 model has a run time of 10 minutes at half load and 2 minutes at full load. A XPRT-1500 has a run time of 13 minutes at half load and 5 minutes at full load. Additional batteries can be added to the XPRT series to extend the UPS run time.

How do I connect a UPS to my equipment?
The UPS designs presented here plug directly into the wall. Your equipment then plugs into the UPS.

What type of batteries are used?
The batteries are sealed, valve regulated, reduced maintenance, lead acid cells. Some batteries are user replaceable. Always consult your owners manual before performing any maintenance.

How do I know if the battery in my UPS is charged?
All models have battery test or status data output capability which can be monitored on the front of the UPS or remotely by way of a Standard Network Management Protocol (SNMP) communication connection and Windows based graphical interface software. (Accessory components are required.)

What is the shelf life of the battery if not being used?
To keep the batteries in best condition it is recommended that the batteries be recharged every 4 months when being stored. If the batteries are stored for 6 months or more without being recharged there is a risk that they will not be rechargeable and will need to be replaced.

How long will the battery last if the UPS is plugged in and utility power is not interrupted?
The battery charger will maintain a float-charge on the battery whenever utility power is available so that the battery will have a full charge when needed. Battery condition should be checked periodically. Typical battery life when being maintained on utility power is 3 to 5 years.

Can the batteries be changed?
The XVRT and XPRT models are designed to allow the user to replace the battery when necessary. Consult the operating manual before attempting battery service.

Can additional battery operating time be added?
Additional battery time can be added to the XPRT models.

What is the recharge time of the batteries?
Recharge time is stated as the time to bring a completed depleted battery back to 90% of its charge capacity, once main AC power is restored. This time is typically about 5 hours after complete discharge into 100% capacity load. This time will be greater when charging additional external battery cabinets used with the larger UPS models. Of course, much less time it required to recharge the battery when it has only been partially discharged. Note: connected equipment will be operational while the batteries recharge.

Can these devices be used for mobile applications? How rugged are they?
These products are designed and assembled for an industrial market that demands high quality components and assembly. There are no published recommendations regarding portability and use in a mobile application. Naturally, we recommend protecting the UPS in a padded or shock-mount case. In this manner the UPS should be able to withstand normal static shocks associated with travel.

SERVICE AND WARRANTY

What service options are available?
Manufacturer's warranty and service is provided by Xtreme Power Conversion. As a distributor, Juice Goose provides direct technial support and customer service for all UPS products it sells. For information or assistance contact Juice Goose.